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-------- -- . -- --.- ---- -- ------- - -_._~--~. --~-- -- -------~_.-.- -~ ------------------ THE INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO By J.F. FRIEDKIN, Commissioner International Boundary and Water Commission, United StatlS and Mexico , i l , (Editor's note: Mr. Friedkin presented 55 slides depicting the area and features along the bor- der. Some of his remarks are summarized below.) In these days when so many borders between nations are torn by strife and deadly conflict, it seems timely that we pause and look at the border in our own back-yard - - - our border with Mexico. I think we can here strike a positive note - that here we can demonstrate significant and dram- atic achievements on each side, which are directly attributable to the men and women of the indepen- dent and free countries of the United States of America, and the United Mexican States. And, to be sure, a part of the achievement is in the division between control and utilization of the boundary rivers - the Colorado River and the Rio Grande. I believe the achievements are economically, politically and internationally important to each of the two countries. But, so that you may judge for yourselves, I should like to present a "guided picture tour" of the boundary between the United States and Mexico, from the Pacific to the Gulf of Mexico. (Slides with narrated description presented). Today, the boundary is most signally marked by man's developments - by pairs of adjoining neighbor cities, closely associated economically, culturally and socially - working together for progress and improvement in their way of life. Nearly 4.5 million people now reside in the cities and on the lands adjoining the boundary in the two countries, by 1980 - 6 million people. In 1966, more than 250 million people crossed this border. Total international trade amounted to 1.46 billion. Exports United States to Mexico $1.02 billion, exports Mexico to United States about $440 million. Indeed, I believe, we are witnessing on this border today the beginning of a new economic frontier from the Pacific to the Gulf. This week's issue of "Business Week" reports that in the past 2-3 years - 40 or more U.S. subsidiary industrial plants have sprung up on the Mexican side of the border- to take advantage of the cheaper labor. U.S. businessmen are also enthusiastic about this development because 50% of wages paid in Mexico are spent back in the,U.S. Perhaps the most significant observation on this boundary is the very simple one which we take for granted - "There are no border fortifications - no guns." '1 l Instead of steel for guns, the two governments are working together in jointly constructing works of steel, concrete, and earth to control, conserve, and utilize the waters of the boundary rivers for the benefit and good of their respective peoples. There are effective treaties for division and dis- tribution of the water of the boundary rivers, between the two countries. I do not mean to imply that there are no problems. There are serious problems which arise from deep inherent differences of interests, but we sit down together and earnestly endeavor to work out the problems with respect for each other's views. The result is that on this boundary two great nations, their Governments and thtir peoples are working together - with understanding. There is growing respect between individuals and this makes for respect between nations. There is peace - there is progress. Ladies and Gentlemen - this is your boundary with Mexico. -6-